The main difference between conjunction and interjection is that conjunctions are used to connect two words or two phrases together, while interjections are used to express sudden emotions in informal writing.
Both conjunctions and interjections are brief words we use in sentences. There are a few differences between conjunctions and interjections, especially in terms of their function.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Conjunction
– Definition, Function, Types
2. What is an Interjection
– Definition, Function
3. Similarities Between Conjunction and Interjection
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Conjunction and Interjection
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Conjunction, Interjection
What is a Conjunction
Conjunctions are words we use to connect words, phrases, and clauses and to coordinate words in the same clause. Basically, they are known as parts of speech. Conjunctions can be used to express complex ideas by avoiding the use of a series of brief and simple sentences. Words like but, yet, neither, nor, either, so, for, thus, therefore, because, etc. are some examples of conjunctions.
Types of Conjunctions
Conjunctions are mainly divided into three categories: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions.
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal grammatical positions in a sentence. There are seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. These coordinating conjunctions can be easily remembered by using the mnemonic device F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. An example of coordinating conjunction in a sentence is as follows:
Anne wanted to buy some fruits, so she went to the fruit stall nearby.
Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to connect alternatives or equal elements. Either/or, neither/no, and not only/but also are correlative conjunctions. For example,
Neither fast foods nor carbonate drinks are healthy.
Subordinating conjunctions connect independent and dependent clauses. They can express cause-effect relationships and compare-contrast points. Some examples of common subordinating conjunctions include because, since, as, although, and though. The following example demonstrates how a subordinating conjunction connects an independent clause and a dependent clause.
She will pass the exam with flying colors because she worked hard.
What is an Interjection
An interjection is a word or phrase used in a short exclamation. Generally, we use interjections to express sudden emotions such as anger, burst, shock, joy, or confusion. Interjections are not complete sentences that convey complete meaning. They lack many major parts of speech. An interjection may end in an exclamation point and is very short in length. Interjections occur come in a sentence to set the tone and emotion.
Generally, interjections appear at the beginning of a sentence. But it is not a set rule. We can use them according to the meaning expressed in the sentence. Thus, we can place interjections in the beginning, middle, or end of the sentences. Furthermore, interjections can appear after any part of speech, such as verbs, nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Some examples of interjections include whoa, yuck, blah, oops, nah, and ugh. Interjections are most used in informal writing rather than formal writing. Given below are a few examples of an interjection in a sentence:
Hoorah! We won!
I forgot my phone, ugh.
Ahh, this feels wonderful!
Similarities Between Conjunction and Interjection
- Both conjunctions and interjections cannot stand alone and give a complete meaning to a sentence.
- These are generally brief words.
Difference Between Conjunction and Interjection
Definition
Conjunctions are words that connect two words or two phrases together, while interjections are expressions that show sudden emotions.
Grammatical Function
Although conjunctions have the grammatical function of joining two phrases or words together, interjections do not have a grammatical function at all.
Place
Interjections can be placed in the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence, whereas conjunctions should be placed considering the meaning of the sentence.
Meaning
While the meanings of conjunctions are clearly visible, the meanings of interjections are not directly visible.
Usage
Conjunctions are used in both formal and informal writing, while interjections are used mainly in informal writing.
Types
Although there are three types of conjunctions as coordinating conjunctions, correlation conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions, interjections do not have different categories.
Conclusion
The main difference between conjunction and interjection is their function. Conjunctions are words that connect two words or two phrases together, while interjections are expressions that show sudden emotions.
Reference:
1. “Conjunctions.” Grammarly.
2. “What is an Interjection?” Bibme.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Error-error-panel-warning” (CC0) via Pixabay
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